Two Fashion Conglomerates Are Banning Size Zero Models From Runways

The fashion conglomerates that own Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Saint Laurent, Christian Dior, and Mark Jacobs, among other major luxury brands, have agreed to ban size-zero models and models under 16 from their runways as part of a new "well-being" charter.

On Wednesday, luxury conglomerates LVMH and Kering announced new guidelines for proper working conditions for their models. In addition to banning models who are under French size 34 for women (American size 2) and 44 for men (American size 34) and models under 16, the new charter requires that models present a valid health certificate before a shoot or fashion show, and that a psychologist or therapist be available to models during working hours. It also bans working hours between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. for models between the ages of 16 and 18.

"Respecting the dignity of every man and woman is at the heart of both group's values," a statement released Wednesday reads. "Having always cared for the well-being of models, LVMH and Kering feel that they have a specific responsibility, as leaders in the industry, to go one step further with their brands."

The charter arrives the same year that France implemented a 2015 bill banning underweight models from working in the industry. Under the French law, models must present a valid doctor's note to work, and brands that do not comply face fines up to $82,000 and jail time up to six months.

To enforce the LVMH-Kering charter, the two groups pledge to include a brand representative at all in-house castings, implement unannounced inspections or audits of places of work, and appoint a "monitoring committee" to enforce the rules.

LVMH and Kering say they will implement the charter before Fashion Weeks in Paris and New York, which begin on September 26th. The conglomerates' new guidelines can be read in full here.